Winter Falls || Lee Know ✓

🎓:It's all my fault

~🎬~

Jisung and Hyunjin finally reached the storeroom, bursting in after hearing the echo of voices. Their eyes scanned the room quickly, and they immediately noticed something was off. Minho was crouched on the floor, holding Suhyun tightly in his arms, her face buried in his chest. The sight sent a chill through both of them. They exchanged a glance, silently agreeing that something had happened—something bad.

Jisung took a cautious step forward, his voice soft but urgent. "Minho...what happened?"

Minho didn't look up, his jaw clenched tight as he held onto Suhyun protectively. He wasn't ready to speak, but the weight of the situation was pressing down on him. His mind was racing with guilt and anger—mostly directed at himself.

Hyunjin, sensing that Minho wasn't ready to explain, spoke up next. "We should tell someone. A teacher, maybe."

Minho didn't respond verbally, but he gave a slight nod, still focused on Suhyun, who was trembling in his arms. Her sobs had quieted, but the fear in her body language was unmistakable. Seeing her like this tore Minho apart. He should've been there. He should've known. His grip tightened around her gently, his chest tight with guilt.

Jisung and Hyunjin, seeing Minho's nod, quickly exchanged another glance and bolted out of the storeroom, heading toward the staff area to find someone who could help. They weaved through the hallways, students still blissfully unaware of the situation as they continued enjoying the festival.

After a few moments of searching, they found Miss Kang, one of the more understanding and kind-hearted teachers. She was overseeing the art booth, but when she noticed the serious expressions on Jisung and Hyunjin's faces, she immediately sensed something was wrong.

"Miss Kang, we need your help. It's Suhyun. Something...something happened with Jiho," Jisung blurted out, trying to keep his voice steady.

Miss Kang's eyes widened with concern. "What? What happened to Suhyun?" she asked, her voice calm but urgent.

"She's in the storeroom," Hyunjin added, glancing back toward the hallway they had just come from. "We think something bad happened. Minho's with her now, but...we thought we should tell you right away."

Miss Kang's face tightened in worry. She took a deep breath and nodded. "Take me to her, quickly."

Without wasting a second, the three of them hurried back to the storeroom. When they arrived, Miss Kang knelt beside Suhyun, her expression softening as she saw the state she was in. Minho was still holding Suhyun close, her body now slightly more relaxed, but she hadn't let go of him yet.

"Oh, Suhyun," Miss Kang said softly, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. "You're safe now. We're here."

Suhyun didn't respond verbally, but she shifted slightly, acknowledging Miss Kang's presence with a small, shaky nod.

Miss Kang turned to Minho, her voice firm but kind. "I think she needs to go home, Minho. She needs to rest. Her aunt should know what's happened."

Minho nodded, his face tight with guilt and frustration. He hadn't let go of Suhyun yet, afraid that if he did, she might shatter completely. He gently pulled back just enough to meet Suhyun's gaze, though her eyes were still filled with tears. "Let's get you home," he whispered softly, his voice barely above a breath.

Suhyun didn't resist. She looked exhausted—physically and emotionally drained. As Minho slowly helped her to her feet, she leaned on him for support, still clutching his jacket around her shoulders.

Miss Kang stood up, addressing Jisung and Hyunjin. "You boys help Minho take her to the front. I'll inform the staff and contact her aunt to let her know she'll be coming home."

Jisung and Hyunjin nodded in unison, staying close to Minho as they carefully guided Suhyun out of the storeroom. The festival was still ongoing, students laughing and enjoying themselves, completely unaware of the nightmare Suhyun had just endured.

As they made their way through the school halls, Minho's mind was in turmoil. His thoughts spiraled with guilt and self-blame. This is all my fault, he thought bitterly. If I had kept my distance, Suhyun wouldn't have gotten involved again, none of this would've happened.

I'm supposed to protect the people I care about, Minho thought. I failed her.

Jisung noticed the tension radiating off Minho and gave him a quick, concerned glance. He didn't say anything, but the worry was clear in his eyes. Hyunjin, walking on the other side, looked equally serious, but neither of them pushed Minho to talk.

As they reached the front of the school, Miss Kang was waiting with Suhyun's aunt, Kim Jieun, who had arrived quickly after receiving the call. Jieun rushed to Suhyun's side, pulling her into a gentle hug.

"Oh My God, Suhyun, sweetie," Jieun whispered, her voice filled with concern. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Suhyun nodded weakly, still too shaken to fully explain. Minho stepped back slightly, giving them space, but the guilt gnawed at him. He watched as Suhyun leaned into her aunt, trying to gather herself.

Miss Kang turned to Minho, Jisung, and Hyunjin, her expression serious. "You all did the right thing by finding her and telling me. But Suhyun needs to rest now. I'll make sure this is reported, and we'll deal with Jiho. For now, it's best if Suhyun goes home."

Minho nodded, but inside, he was still beating himself up. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had failed her. If only he hadn't let himself get so close... if only he had kept his distance, Jiho wouldn't have targeted Suhyun.

As Suhyun and her aunt prepared to leave, Minho stood off to the side, his mind clouded with regret. He barely noticed Jisung stepping closer, nudging him slightly.

"Hey, Minho" Jisung said softly, breaking the silence. "It's not your fault, you know. You couldn't have known."

Minho didn't respond right away. His gaze remained on Suhyun as she was gently led away by her aunt. He wanted to believe Jisung's words, but deep down, he couldn't shake the guilt that weighed heavy on his heart.

It's all my fault.

~🎬~